These Are A Number Of Considerations Of The Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources Before Continuing The HGBT Program

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif revealed that there has been no decision regarding the continuation of certain natural gas price programs (HGBT).

According to him, the extension of this program still needs to be discussed across ministries between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry.

"The HGBT meeting but only 2, the Minister of Finance came, the Minister of Industry didn't come to have other activities. I don't know, so it's not finished yet," said Arifin to the media at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Building, Friday, March 22.

Arifin said, before expanding the HGBT to all industrial sectors, it is still necessary to evaluate the adequacy of gas supply to meet the needs of all industries using HGBT which is set at 6 US dollars per MMBTU after 2024.

In addition to gas adequacy, his Ministry also considers the country's financial capacity.

"Evaluation first is enough gas or not. The ability of the state too," continued Arifin.

Regarding domestic gas adequacy, Arifin said that his party would continue to calculate the balance between gas demand for the available industry and gas supply.

On the other hand, what Arifin considers is the availability of infrastructure that can connect gas from its source to industries in need.

"Yes, we are now counting the balance first. The pipe must be connected first," concluded Arifin.

Just so you know, currently HGBT is still limited in 7 sectors at a price of 6 US dollars per MMBTU, such as the fertilizer industry, petrochemicals, olechemicals, steel, ceramics, glass glasses and rubber gloves.